The Delphinoidea Family
Dolphins
The Dolphin is the largest and most diverse family of cetaceans. It contains 26 recognized species and 6 toothed whales. Most forms of this family have functional teeth in both jaws, a melon with a distinct beak, smooth sloping foreheads, a single notch in the middle of their flukes and a dorsal fin. Of the 26 species of dolphin 13 tend to have long, well-defined beaks and streamlined slightly robust bodies. The remainder vary greatly in colour and patterns, the shape of their bodies, beaks and flippers, and dorsal fins. They do have similar short indistinct beaks and fairly robust bodies.
